rootworm
nounEtymology From root + worm.
1
A worm that tunnels through the roots of young plants.
- Dr. Ostlie, at the University of Minnesota, said he had permission from three companies in 2007 to compare how well their insect-resistant corn varieties fared against the rootworms found in his state.2009 February 20, Andrew Pollack, “Crop Scientists Say Biotechnology Seed Companies Are Thwarting Research”, in New York Times: